Gavin And Stacey: Filming Locations Guide

One of the most iconic Gavin and Stacey filming locations is Barry Island, a charming coastal town in South Wales and only a short train ride from Cardiff Central station. Barry Island attracts thousands of visitors every year. Fans will recognise this as the setting for many memorable scenes across the entire series including Nessa’s arcade and the famous “Marco’s café.” The waterfront area is also where Dave’s Coaches has picked up many of the main characters for a variety of beloved scenes in the comedy series.

Visitors can stroll along the promenade and enjoy the same stunning views of Barry Island beach that were featured in the show. The vibrant and colourful beach huts, amusement arcades, ice creams and sandy beaches make Barry Island a must-visit destination for fans of Gavin and Stacey. You can even take a trip to Barry Island Pleasure Park, where main character Stacey had a ride on the log flume in series 3.

On Barry Waterfront and promenade, you’ll find Nessa’s slots. Nessa’s slots are a must-visit location for any Gavin and Stacey fan. This iconic arcade is run by the straight-talking and hilarious Nessa, played by the show’s co-creator, Ruth Jones. Here, many memorable scenes take place throughout the series.

Visitors can try their luck on the slot machines just like the characters did in the show and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere of this well known filming location. As Nessa would say, “Absolutely crackin!”.

The most popular fish and chip shop on Barry Promenade, Boofy’s, has been named Gavin and Stacey’s Chip Shop in local publications. A traditional fish shop, cafe, and takeaway, the venue has been used in various scenes of the hit TV show.

A sign outside reads “The Codfather Of Sole,” so you’re guaranteed a delicious seaside meal here. It’s the perfect place to take a break after spending time playing the arcade games in Nessa’s slots, which is next door.

Trinity Street in Barry was used as the location for both Gwen and Stacey’s house and Rob Brydon’s character Uncle Bryn’s home. Fans can visit this location to see where many iconic scenes were filmed. There are too many to mention! Stacey and Gavin’s wedding preparations, Baby Neil’s Christening buffet, Gwen cooking omelettes and who can forget when Bryn brought over his bottle of Mint Baileys? The charming row of terraced houses is a must-visit for any fan of the show.

Our top tip: You can easily recognise the terraced house used in the show. The owners have placed photographs from the show in their windows and a sign saying they welcome conversations with fans.

Another key filming location from Gavin and Stacey is the village of Dinas Powys, located just a short drive from Cardiff and Barry Town. This Vale Of Glamorgan suburb served as the backdrop for many scenes involving the Shipman and Sutcliffe families.

And of course, it’s the location for Pam and Mick Shipman’s Essex home, which actually isn’t in Essex at all, but Dinas Powys, South Wales. The driveway is easily recognisable in many scenes where Nessa, Stacey and her family arrive to visit the Shipmans.

Are you even a Gavin and Stacey fan if you can’t remember the famous scene where Smithy asks Stacey for advice on women’s underwear? The funny moment with Stacey helping him select knickers for his girlfriend Lucy is meant to be at Stacey’s workplace in Essex. However, it’s actually at the large Marks and Spencer store in Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff. You can spot the store’s exterior later in the episode when Gavin picks Stacey up from work.

More scenes were also filmed in this area, with Culverhouse Cross Burger King being used for the order scenes at Rudy’s “Drive Thru” workplace.Eagle-eyed fans will also recognise nearby Cardiff Gate Services in the same episode. Gavin is seen walking through the car park on his phone with Smithy singing “Do They Know It’s Christmas” to him.

Plus, The Copthorne Hotel, across the road from Marks and Spencer, Culverhouse Cross, was used as the location for a wedding fair. In series 1, we see Gavin and Stacey having fun here, preparing for their wedding day and wedding reception.